By Alice || Edited by Go Ask Alice Editorial Team || Last edited Oct 05, 2026 [Let us know if you found this response helpful!](#votingapi-reaction-form-vote) ## Resources - [Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) (Morningside)](/resource/counseling-and-psychological-services-cps-morningside) - [Alice! Health Promotion (Morningside)](/resource/alice-health-promotion-morningside) - [Counseling Services (CUIMC)](/resource/counseling-services-cuimc) - [Well-Being and Health Promotion (CUIMC)](/resource/well-being-and-health-promotion-cuimc) ## Cite this Response ### MLA 9 Alice! Health Promotion. "Why am I uncomfortable with college stressors?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 05 Oct. 2026, https://live-go-ask-alice.pantheonsite.io/answered-questions/why-am-i-uncomfortable-college-stressors. Accessed 11, Oct. 2026. Copy Citation ### APA Alice! Health Promotion. (2026, October 05). Why am I uncomfortable with college stressors?. Go Ask Alice!, https://live-go-ask-alice.pantheonsite.io/answered-questions/why-am-i-uncomfortable-college-stressors. Copy Citation Dear Alice, Until college, I was able to handle stress very well. I managed many responsibilities in and out of school, and was thrilled when I was accepted here. Now that I am here, however, I feel unusually unable to deal with daily stresses. I find myself sleeping more than I used to; I have difficulty focusing on work, and the feelings of stress that come upon me seem always to bring extra feelings of depression and confusion. I have decided to cut down on my drinking in order to keep up with my work, but it was never much of a problem before anyway. I don't use drugs, and I don't feel as though I have a hard time making friends. I am not, I don't think, homesick. I am however, somehow uncomfortable with college stresses. I know this isn't much to go on, but can you offer any insight? I don't feel crazy or insane, just a bit uncomfortable. — Dazed and Confused... ## **Dear Dazed and Confused...,** College life can be very different from what you were used to before. You’re adjusting to new routines, expectations, and an unfamiliar environment. That combination can make stressors feel much harder to manage, even if you were very good at handling it before. Learning strategies to manage your stress that fit better into your college life may help you feel prepared to take on stressors when and if they come along. ## Why does college stress feel different from the stress you handled before? Transitions to new demands typically come with an adjustment period. If you’re coming to college from high school, your days may have been more structured. Teachers may have reminded you about assignments and deadlines, and perhaps your schedule and responsibilities were more predictable. College often asks you to take on more of that responsibility by yourself. You have to decide when to study, keep track of deadlines, manage your workload, make time for sleep and relationships, and adjust to different expectations. There can also be pressure that is less obvious than a busy schedule. You’re building new routines, making decisions more independently, and trying to keep up academically while figuring out where you fit into your new environment. While you may have had plenty of responsibilities before college, the *kind* of responsibility you have now is different. As you adapt to your college life, you might notice conflicting feelings. For example, college can still be difficult even when your social life is going well and you’re happy to be there. That said, things can still be stressful even when other social and emotional aspects of your life are going well. ## How can stress affect your sleep, mood, and concentration? Stress is your body's natural response to something that feels demanding. When that response continues for a long time, your body can remain more alert than usual. Hormones, such as [cortisol](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol), help you respond to challenges. However, staying in that state for too long can leave you feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically worn out. When your mind is busy thinking about deadlines, responsibilities, or things that need to be done, it can be harder to settle down or focus on one task. You may feel drained and sleep more, while changes in your sleep can make it harder to concentrate, remember information, or stay motivated. When schoolwork takes longer or you have trouble keeping up, that can create another source of stress. Mood can become part of the same cycle. Being tired and feeling unable to keep up can leave you frustrated, discouraged, or confused. Those feelings can make everything seem even more difficult. However, your feelings and routines are things worth paying attention to, especially if they begin interfering with your schoolwork or everyday life. ## What can you do to make college stress easier to handle? You don’t need to change everything at once! A few manageable changes may make things feel more under control. Here are some strategies you might try: - Break large assignments into smaller tasks, so they feel less overwhelming. - Create a realistic schedule that includes time for both work and rest. - Try to keep a consistent [sleep routine](/fact-sheets/healthy-sleep-habits). - Continue [cutting back on alcohol](/fact-sheets/alcohol-lowering-risk) if you notice that it affects your sleep or schoolwork. - Stay connected with people you trust and feel comfortable talking with. - Use tutoring, advising, or other academic resources when you need them. If your stress continues, becomes more intense, or makes it difficult to keep up with school, relationships, or everyday responsibilities, consider reaching out for some support. You could also start by talking with trusted professors, advisors, friends, or family members. If your school has a counseling office, they may also be able to help. Finding your footing can take some time as you’re dealing with a different environment and responsibilities than before. By practicing habits that align with where you’re in the present moment, you can feel more comfortable and confident while at college. Be gentle with yourself, ## Additional Relevant Topics: [ Mental and Emotional Health ](/topics/mental-and-emotional-health) [Let us know if you found this response helpful!](#votingapi-reaction-form-vote) Was this answer helpful to you? ![](https://live-go-ask-alice.pantheonsite.io/sites/default/files/votingapi_reaction/icon-thumbs-up_0.svg) Yes this answer was helpful to me ![](https://live-go-ask-alice.pantheonsite.io/sites/default/files/votingapi_reaction/icon-thumbs-down_0.svg) No this answer was not helpful to me Other humans have also viewed… ## [What should I do if I'm successful but not happy?](/answered-questions/what-should-i-do-if-im-successful-not-happy) [ Mental and Emotional Health ](/topics/mental-and-emotional-health) ## [What are some tools for managing stress?](/answered-questions/what-are-some-tools-managing-stress) [ Mental and Emotional Health ](/topics/mental-and-emotional-health) ## [Can I decrease the amount of sleep I need?](/answered-questions/can-i-decrease-amount-sleep-i-need) [ General Health ](/topics/general-health)